Basic RF Measurements, 5 cr

Core content

• Spectrum analyzers: Block diagram. Measurements. Functions of different measurement parameters. Signal generators: proper and safe use in measurements.
• Network analyzers: Block diagram of a scalar and vector NA. Measurements, frequency sweeps. Calibration using the different methods.
• Impedance matching and interpreting the results of mismatching. Antenna parameters: gain, bandwidth, radiation and far-field.
• Noise: Noise figure, noise factor, noise temperature. Automatic noise measurement instruments. Measuring using the Y-factor method.
• Passive components: cables, connectors, adapters, attenuators, loads, and directional couplers. Proper use of connectors.
• Measurement of linear network characteristics (S parameters).
• Measurement of nonlinear network characteristics: gain compression, harmonic distortion and intermodulation.

Complementary knowledge

• Different types of signal generators and spectrum analyzers. Calibrating spectrum analyzer measurements. Errors in spectrum analysis.
• Power sweeps. Different calibration methods. Error model. Measurements with directional coupler.
• The effects of reflections on measurement results. Reflectivity level. Measurement ranges.
• Noise measurements using the spectrum analyzer method. Noise bandwidth. Noise generators.

Specialist knowledge

• Scalar S parameter measurements using a spectrum analyzer.
• Network analyzer as a signal generator.
• Error sources in spectrum analyzer measurements
• Noise measurements using the signal generator method.